Hormonal fluctuations linked to higher migraine prevalence in women

Research indicates that women are approximately two to three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. While the condition affects both sexes, prevalence rates shift significantly following puberty, peaking between the ages of 30 and 40, and often decreasing after menopause.

Biological factors, specifically fluctuations in female sex hormones like estrogen, are considered the primary drivers of this disparity. Sudden drops in estrogen levels, such as those occurring before menstruation or during the postpartum period, can trigger episodes. Estrogen influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and affects the trigeminovascular system, which is involved in pain signaling.

In Mexico, it is estimated that over 20 million people suffer from migraines, with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) reporting that roughly 30 percent of women experience the condition compared to 10 percent of men. Globally, studies suggest one in five women lives with migraine episodes, while approximately one in fifteen men is affected.